Delicious Mini Apple Hand Pies Perfect for Cozy Evenings

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s something undeniably delightful about a warm Mini Apple Hand Pie fresh from the oven. The sweet smell of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust wafts through the kitchen, transporting me back to cozy family gatherings. After a long week of fast food and takeout, I craved something homemade and heartwarming.

That s when I decided to whip up these charming little pastries. They remind us how pleasure can come in small packages, with each bite revealing a gooey filling and a flaky shell. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a treat that elevates any simple meal or serves as a delightful dessert.

Imagine sharing these Mini Apple Hand Pies at your next gathering or savoring them with a cup of coffee after a busy day. They re not just for dessert; they make a wonderful after-school snack or a portable treat for picnics. Let s dive into this quick and satisfying recipe that will definitely impress your friends and family!

Why are Mini Apple Hand Pies so special?

Delightful flavors explode in every bite, as you experience the sweet warmth of caramelized apples infused with cinnamon. Quick preparation means you can have this treat ready in just under an hour, perfect for busy evenings. Versatile enough to serve as a snack or dessert, these hand pies are a hit among both friends and family. Cozy aroma wafting through your home sets the perfect mood for gathering. Freeze-ready, they can be stored for later enjoyment, ensuring you have a homemade treat on hand whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Mini Apple Hand Pie Ingredients

Get ready to create these delightful hand pies with a few simple ingredients!

For the Crust
Pie dough store-bought helps save time; feel free to use homemade if you prefer!
Unsalted butter enhances flavor and gives your filling a rich, buttery base.

For the Filling
Fuji or honeycrisp apples their sweetness makes for a deliciously juicy filling, perfect for these Mini Apple Hand Pies.
Light brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
Ground cinnamon a must-have spice that infuses warmth and sweetness.
Lemon juice balances out the sweetness while enhancing the flavors of the apples.
Cornstarch helps thicken the filling; mix it with water for optimal results.

For the Topping
Large egg used for an egg wash that gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color.
Granulated sugar sprinkle on top for a sweet crust that adds a delightful crunch.
Ground cinnamon an extra sprinkle brings out that irresistible aroma!

How to Make Mini Apple Hand Pies

1. Prepare the Dough: Remove the pie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you create the luscious apple filling. This will make rolling out the dough much easier!
2. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it s bubbly and fragrant, laying the perfect foundation for your filling.
3. Cook the Apples: Mix in the finely chopped apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Heat everything for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender and edges shimmer with sweetness.
4. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, stirring for about 30 seconds until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a bit.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 °F while you line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring your pies bake evenly.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly dust a surface with flour, unroll one of the pie sheets, and use a rolling pin to smooth it, creating an inviting canvas for your hand pies.
7. Cut the Apple Shapes: Using a cookie cutter or template, cut out apple shapes from the dough. Roll out the scraps to create even more shapes, aiming for about 8 apples per sheet.
8. Chill the Shapes: Transfer the cut apples to the refrigerator while cutting out the other sheet to keep them the perfect shape while you work.
9. Position the Apples: Place half of the apple cutouts on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Keep the other half cool in the refrigerator until you re ready for them.
10. Fill Each Apple: Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the center of each apple, ensuring you leave a small border for sealing.
11. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat together the egg with 2 teaspoons of water and gently brush the border of each filled apple with the egg wash to create a lovely golden seal.
12. Vent the Top Layers: Cut 4 slits in the center of the remaining apple shapes. Place these on top of the filled apples and press the edges down to seal them tightly.
13. Crimp the Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of each hand pie for that traditional look, and brush the surface with egg wash for that tempting sheen.
14. Sprinkle on Some Sweetness: Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle about 1 teaspoon on top of each apple for an extra sweet crunch.
15. Bake and Cool: Bake your Mini Apple Hand Pies for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Mini Apple Hand Pies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful hand pies to suit your taste!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute store-bought gluten-free pie crust for a scrumptious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
• Vegan: Use coconut oil in place of butter and replace the egg wash with almond or soy milk for a plant-based twist.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over baked pies for an extra layer of sweet decadence that takes them to the next level.
• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Flavor Variants: Swap out cinnamon for apple pie spice or even nutmeg for a unique flavor profile that keeps things interesting.
• Berry Mix-In: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries, with the apples for a pop of color and tartness.
• Savory Hand Pies: Transform into a savory treat by using savory fillings like cheese and spinach or a mix of sautéed onions and mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling for those who like a little heat in their dessert!

How to Store and Freeze Mini Apple Hand Pies

Room Temperature: Keep baked Mini Apple Hand Pies at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their flakiness and flavor.

Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If desired, reheat in the oven at 350 °F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Freezer: Wrap individual Mini Apple Hand Pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months for a delightful treat anytime.

Reheating: To reheat frozen pies, bake directly from the freezer at 350 °F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy. Enjoy that homemade goodness!

Expert Tips for Mini Apple Hand Pies

Choose the Right Apples: Fuji and Honeycrisp offer the perfect sweetness and firmness. Avoid overly soft apples, which can turn mushy during baking.

Keep the Dough Cold: Ensure your pie dough stays chilled while you work. Warm dough can become sticky and difficult to roll out, making it harder to shape.

Avoid Overfilling: When spooning the apple filling, stick to about one tablespoon per pie. Overfilling can cause the pies to burst open while baking, making a mess.

Seal Properly: Make sure to press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork for a tight seal. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Experiment with Spices: Don t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to your filling for extra depth of flavor in your Mini Apple Hand Pies.

Cool Before Serving: Allow the pies to cool on a rack so the filling can set, which enhances the gooey texture while making them easier to eat.

Make Ahead Options

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep aficionados looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the apple filling up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor. Additionally, you can cut out the apple shapes from the pie dough and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you re ready to bake, assemble the pies by filling them with the prepared apple filling, sealing, and brushing with egg wash before baking. This way, you ll have warm, homemade treats ready to impress your family with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Imagine the joy of creating an unforgettable meal, where every flavorful bite complements the unique charm of your hand pies.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds a creamy, luscious element that perfectly balances the warm spices in the hand pies. A scoop of vanilla melting atop a fresh pie creates a delightful contrast.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade caramel over the pies for an indulgent treat. The rich, buttery flavor enhances the sweetness of the apples and makes every bite irresistible.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream will elevate the mini hand pies. It offers a fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust and tender filling.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Offering a warm beverage to accompany your dessert will enhance your cozy experience. The spices in the cider echo the flavors of the pies, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Cheese Platter: Consider a selection of sharp cheeses, such as aged cheddar or gouda. Their savory notes provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apple filling, making for a sophisticated snack.
• Chai Tea: A cup of spiced chai complements the warm flavors of your mini apple hand pies. The aromatic spices in the chai will resonate beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a comforting pairing.
• Pecan Pie Bars: For an extended dessert experience, serve mini apple hand pies alongside these chewy bars. Their nutty flavor adds variety while keeping the autumn vibe alive.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Add a refreshing touch with a light fruit salad featuring citrus and berries. It balances the richness of the pies and brings brightness to your table.

Serve any combination of these delicious sides to craft an unforgettable meal or treat that will warm your heart and create lasting memories!

Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe FAQs

What apples are best for Mini Apple Hand Pies?
I recommend using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and firmness, which hold up beautifully during baking. Avoid overly soft apples like McIntosh, as they can become mushy and affect the texture of your filling.

How long can I store Mini Apple Hand Pies?
You can keep your baked Mini Apple Hand Pies at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you choose to refrigerate them, they ll stay fresh for about 5 days. Just remember to reheat them in an oven at 350 °F for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture!

Can I freeze Mini Apple Hand Pies?
Absolutely! To freeze them, wrap each Mini Apple Hand Pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you re ready to indulge again, bake them directly from the freezer at 350 °F for 20-25 minutes.

How can I prevent my hand pies from leaking filling?
To avoid leakage, make sure to properly seal the edges by pressing them down firmly. Crimping them with a fork also helps create a tight seal. Additionally, be careful not to overfill each pie stick to about one tablespoon of filling for the best results.

Are Mini Apple Hand Pies safe for pets?
While these delicious hand pies are perfect for humans, they contain ingredients like sugar and butter, which aren t suitable for pets. It s best to keep them away from our furry friends to avoid any digestive issues.

Can I adjust the spice levels in Mini Apple Hand Pies?
Very! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon to create your own flavorful filling. Start with a pinch and tweak according to your taste. Enjoy the adventure of finding your perfect spice blend!